NASHVILLE—As part of Tennessee’s ongoing Sustainable Tourism initiative, a green certification workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. November 30 in Memphis at Marriott Memphis Downtown. Sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, this workshop, the final of five scheduled throughout the state this year, will facilitate discussions and solicit partner input regarding the development of a state green certification program for the tour and travel industry. In addition, the events will provide continued sustainable tourism resources, case studies, best practices and access to leading experts.
This initiative will encourage the state’s tour and travel industry to become leaders in the implementation of energy, water and waste conservation, pollution prevention and sustainable business practices. The overall goal of the program is to establish a regional model for certification by working with EPA and the green hospitality guidelines they have established.
Tennessee has a nationally recognized, award-winning green certification program to utilize as a model through Chattanooga Green Lodging created by The Chattanooga Hospitality Association and adopted by the Tennessee Hospitality Association. The departments will work with industry partners, THA and Chattanooga Green to provide the latest green certification information to the industry as well as facilitating an interactive open discussion. Ray Burger, president and founder of Pineapple Hospitality, Inc., will be the keynote speaker at the event.
Contact Patricia Gray at patricia.gray@tn.gov for more information.
